Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

This Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail is a delicate yet striking drink that combines floral lavender notes with bright citrus and the naturally colour-changing beauty of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. Light, refreshing, and visually captivating, it’s an elegant cocktail that feels just as at home at a summer gathering as it does at a relaxed evening aperitif.

Hello everyone – happy Friday! Yay! It’s the time to enjoy a cocktail or two, right?

If you enjoy floral cocktails with a refined, balanced profile, this one is for you. Between the gentle lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the signature hue-shifting gin, this drink manages to be playful and sophisticated at the same time. So, let’s dive into this Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail.

What Is Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is a Canadian gin inspired by classic London Dry styles and infused with a blend of botanicals, including butterfly pea blossom. This natural ingredient gives the gin its deep indigo colour, which dramatically transforms to shades of purple and pink when mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice. The flavour profile is clean and aromatic, with soft juniper, citrus peel, floral notes, and subtle spice, making it an ideal base for elegant, citrus-forward cocktails.

Why You’ll Love This Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

• Visually striking. The colour-changing effect makes this cocktail a true showstopper.
• Light and floral. Lavender syrup adds gentle aromatics without overpowering the drink.
• Perfectly balanced. Bright lemon juice keeps the sweetness in check.
• Customizable. Easily adjust sweetness, citrus, or strength to your preference.
• Effortless elegance. Simple ingredients with a refined presentation.

Flavour Profile

This cocktail is light, aromatic, and refreshing, with soft floral notes from the lavender, crisp citrus acidity, and a clean botanical backbone from the gin. The texture is smooth and lightly chilled, with optional bubbles from tonic or sparkling water adding a subtle lift.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Lavender Empress Gin Cocktail

To make this Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail, you’ll need:

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin. A smooth, botanical-forward Canadian gin with a natural indigo hue that transforms to purple and pink when mixed with citrus.
• Lavender simple syrup. Lightly floral and aromatic, it adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the drink.
• Fresh lemon juice. Bright and zesty, it balances the sweetness and triggers the gin’s signature colour change.
• Lemon slices. A clean, classic garnish that complements both the citrus and floral notes.
• Tonic or sparkling water (optional). Adds lightness and subtle effervescence if you prefer a longer, more refreshing cocktail.
• Ice. Essential for chilling and proper dilution.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this Lavender Empress Gin Cocktail is already delicious, you can always customize it even further:

• Replace lemon juice with lime for a sharper citrus edge.
• Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for extra floral depth.
• Use sparkling rosé instead of tonic for a festive twist.
• Reduce the syrup and increase citrus for a drier cocktail.
• Serve it fully strained and topped with soda for a lighter aperitif-style drink.

How to Make Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail

Add the gin, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, and ice to a shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled. Taste and adjust the balance with more syrup or citrus if needed. Strain into a glass over fresh ice or serve straight up, depending on preference. If desired, top lightly with tonic or sparkling water, then garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

More Cocktails With Empress 1908 Indigo Gin

Are you looking for more fun drinks with Empress 1908 gin, like this Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Vanilla Rose Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Lavender Rose Empress 1908
• Vanilla Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Empress 1908 Gin & Tonic
• Lilac Empress 1908 Cocktail
• Rose Raspberry Gin Cocktail

Lavender Infused Cocktails

And be sure to check more lavender-infused cocktails!

• Lavender Limoncello Martini
• Lavender Peach Raspberry Sangria
• Blackberry Lavender Cocktail
• Lavender Mojito
• Lavender Kir Royale

I’d love for you to try this lavender gin cocktail. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

Lavender Empress 1908 Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

This Lavender Empress 1908 Gin Cocktail is floral, lightly sweet, and visually stunning, with a natural colour change and a lavender aroma.

Course: Cocktails

4.8 from 8 votes

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Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 oz. (60 ml) Empress 1908 gin

• 1/2 to 1 oz. (15-30 ml) lavender simple syrup

• 1/2 to 1 oz. (15-30 ml) lemon juice

• a little of tonic or sparkling water, optional – to top, if desired

• 2 lemon slices, for garnish

• 1/2 cup of ice

Directions

• Add the gin, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, and ice to a shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled. Taste and adjust the balance with more syrup or citrus if needed. Strain into a glass over fresh ice or serve straight up, depending on preference. If desired, top lightly with tonic or sparkling water, then garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.